Tara Louise Baker was a 23-year-old law student at the University of Georgia whose life was defined by academic achievement and a strong sense of compassion. Born on January 20, 1977, in East Point, Georgia, she grew up with a reputation for determination and kindness. After graduating from Lovejoy High School in 1995, she attended Georgia College in Milledgeville, where she earned two bachelor’s degrees and graduated cum laude in 1998.
Friends, classmates, and family described Tara as someone who stood up for others. She was known for including people who felt left out and for encouraging those around her to succeed. By the time she entered law school in Athens, she had already built a reputation as someone who wanted to make a difference, both personally and professionally.
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Contents
The Night Before Her Death
On January 18, 2001, Tara followed a routine that reflected her focus on her studies. She spent the evening at the University of Georgia Law School library, where she was last seen by a friend around 7:30 p.m. Later that night, at 9:46 p.m., she called the same friend to confirm that they had arrived home safely.
During that call, Tara said she planned to leave the library around 10 p.m. That conversation would become the last confirmed contact anyone had with her. Investigators later focused closely on this timeframe as they worked to determine when she returned home and what happened next.
What Happened on January 19, 2001
The following morning, on January 19, 2001, firefighters responded to a blaze at Tara’s apartment on Fawn Drive in Athens. When they entered the residence, they discovered her body inside. She had been killed before the fire began.
Authorities determined that the fire had been intentionally set in an attempt to conceal the crime. Evidence presented later in court showed that Tara had been subjected to a violent attack that included beating, stabbing, strangulation, and possible sexual assault. The scene indicated a deliberate effort to destroy evidence and delay the investigation.
The Initial Investigation
From the beginning, investigators treated the case as a homicide. One detail stood out: the only item reported missing from Tara’s apartment was her laptop computer. That fact raised questions about motive, but it did not lead to an immediate suspect.
Despite collecting evidence from the scene, including forensic material that would later prove critical, the case did not result in an arrest at the time. Leads were pursued, but the investigation eventually slowed, and Tara’s murder became a cold case.
Years Without Answers
For more than two decades, Tara’s family lived without resolution. Her mother, Virginia Baker, remained a constant voice seeking justice, while her siblings carried the impact of her loss into adulthood. The case also remained present in the Athens community, where many continued to remember the shock of her death.
Public interest in the case was renewed through efforts such as the Classic City Crime podcast, which focused on Tara’s life and the unanswered questions surrounding her murder. Advocacy efforts also pushed for improvements in how cold cases were handled, including the use of modern forensic methods.
The Breakthrough in the Case
In 2024, more than 23 years after Tara’s death, investigators announced the arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust. The breakthrough came after authorities reexamined evidence collected in 2001 using updated DNA technology.
The renewed analysis allowed investigators to identify a suspect in a case that had remained unresolved for decades. The arrest marked a turning point, shifting the focus from investigation to prosecution.
The Trial and Verdict
Edrick Lamont Faust went to trial in February 2026. Prosecutors presented evidence that included DNA findings and details about the timeline of Tara’s final hours. The case centered on linking Faust to the crime scene and establishing his role in the attack and subsequent arson.
After deliberation, a Clarke County jury found Faust guilty on all 12 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, burglary, tampering with evidence, and first-degree arson.
Sentencing and Outcome
Following the guilty verdict, Faust was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 45 years in prison. The sentence reflected the severity of the crimes and the jury’s findings.
During sentencing, Tara’s family delivered statements that described the lasting impact of her death. They spoke about her character, her future, and the years spent waiting for justice. The conviction brought a legal conclusion to the case, though it did not erase the loss.
A Life Remembered
Tara Baker’s story is defined by both who she was and what was taken from her. She was a student with a clear path forward, a daughter and sister with strong family ties, and a person remembered for her empathy and determination.
Her case remained unsolved for more than 20 years, but the eventual arrest and conviction ensured that her death was not forgotten. The outcome stands as a reflection of persistence, both from investigators who revisited the evidence and from a family that continued to seek answers.